LYNCHBURG, VA -The Frederick Keys are proud to announce that Frederick native, Branden Kline, will start the home opener at Harry Grove Stadium when the Keys play Carolina on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. Rated the 20th overall prospect in the Baltimore organization according to Baseball America, Kline earned the win on Opening Day at Lynchburg. Over five innings, he allowed one run on seven hits and struck out four. He did not walk a batter.

Kline spent last season with Low-A Delmarva, but was limited to just 35.1 innings after suffering a right ankle/fibula fracture during a May conditioning drill. In seven starts with the Shorebirds, the right-hander went 1-2 with a 5.86 ERA. He returned to action in the fall, pitching 10 games for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League.

Kline was selected by Baltimore in the second round of the 2012 draft out of the University of Virginia. During his career with Cavaliers, Kline split time between the rotation and the bullpen. As a reliever, he finished third in career saves, and was named a First Team All-American his sophomore year. Shifting to the rotation as a junior, he went 7-3 with a 3.56 ERA and earned Second Team All-ACC recognition. The highest drafted player in Frederick County history, Kline posted a 0.51 ERA during his senior year at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.

The Keys play the third game of four against Lynchburg on Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. Lefty Matt Taylor (0-0, --) makes the start for the Keys and will be countered by right-hander Wes Parsons (0-0, --) for the Hillcats. Pre-game radio coverage begins at 5:45 on 1450 AM the Source and on frederickkeys.com.

Opening Day 2014 for the Frederick Keys is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, when the Carolina Mudcats visit Harry Grove Stadium at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, please call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.